Laboratory Chemist

Simberi Gold Company Limited forms part of the St Barbara Group. Our Simberi Operations consists of an open cut mine on the northernmost island in the Tabar group of islands in the province of New Ireland in Papua New Guinea. Our vision is to grow sustainably and create enduring, positive impacts for the people and communities touched by our operations.

Now is an exciting time for our business and for our people. We’re going through a period of significant change and are gaining momentum in transforming our business. We’re looking for people who are ready to grow through opportunity and build a bright future with us.​​

We are currently seeking a Laboratory Chemist to join our team for a 6-month term position at our Simberi Operation. Your work location is Papua New Guinea, working a 21/14 Roster from Kavieng, Rabaul, Port Moresby, Lae, Mt Hagen, Madang, Goroka, Alotau, Wapenamanda, Popondetta, Hoskins, Wewak, Vanimo, or Tabar group of Islands. (Locals are encouraged to apply).

Reporting to the Senior Chemist, the primary purpose of this role is to assist the Senior Chemist to provide overall supervision of the Assay Laboratory technical activities, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of assay results to Processing, Grade Control and Exploration.

 Ensuring implementation and adherence to St Barbara Lab procedures, safety, health and environmental practices and policies

Everyone at St Barbara Limited is required to understand and act in accordance with St Barbara’s values and policies and meet all relevant internal and external compliance obligations.

The role incumbent and manager will identify and review the specific compliance requirements of the role.

The opportunity

Technical Accountabilities

1. Ensuring and monitoring safety in the workplace by identifying and addressing hazards, participating in improving safety and ensuring all reporting requirements are completed.
2. Adheres to the quality control policies in performing, resulting, troubleshooting, and documenting all quality control activities. Issues unable to be resolved are reported promptly to Senior Chemist or Metallurgy Superintendent.
3. Assists in the provision of direct supervision and leadership for all functions of the specialty to include disciplinary action, the hire and termination process, and employee performance review in the absence of the Senior Chemist.
4. Maintains good inventory control practices, makes recommendations, and implements needed changes to par levels and product availability; monitors supply shortages, recalls, substitutions, and maintains cost effectiveness. Coordinates selection, evaluation, and implementation of new equipment and systems.
5. Performs and documents preventative maintenance and troubleshooting records in order to maintain high quality laboratory service.
6. Performs and documents instrument function verification checks and preventative maintenance on all equipment consistent with department policies and procedures. Instrument malfunctions are recognized and troubleshooting procedures are initiated in a timely manner per department policies and procedures. May participate in the evaluation, correlation and verification of instrument or procedure performance.
7. Performs specialized testing using appropriate laboratory instrumentation/equipment following prescribed policies, procedures and defined standards of performance.
8. Keeps Processing management informed of activities including unusual analytical data and results along with personnel issues.
9. Conducts performance checks and calibrations of laboratory instrumentation within assigned laboratory sections. Evaluates reagents, media and standards according to established criteria. Conducts, documents, monitors and evaluates established quality control or quality assurance procedures on analytical tests, reagents, equipment and products, implementing corrective action protocols when indicated. Assists in the preparation, analysis and reporting of proficiency testing samples.        

Scheduling accountabilities

1. Managing effective use of available resources, including own time, in support of the delivery of the Mining and Processing Operations team.

 People accountabilities

1. Ensuring own work performance meets all role requirements; and taking appropriate professional development actions.
2. Managing outputs and development of the team and all Team Members. Provide coaching and training for Laboratory assistants and technicians.
3. Interviewing and making recommendations for hiring personnel. Evaluates employee performance, recognizes their achievements, counsels and disciplines them as necessary. Assists Senior Chemist with investigation of written and formal actions.
4. Monitor staff to ensure standards of performance are met and that staff comply with all OHSE and SGCL safety policies and procedures. Contributing to the development of capability within the team/crew.

 Are you ready to come and build your future with us?

We need the best people. People who have drive, energy and are genuinely passionate about the work they do and provide a positive impact. Additionally, we need people who see a challenge as an opportunity for growth and value working with others towards a common goal.​

We would love to hear from you if you have​:

Essential

• At least 5 years relevant mining environment chemistry laboratory supervisory experience that include skills and experiences in the field of:

1. Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) analyses such as NAG, ANC and NAPP
2. Basemetal analyses using 3 and 4 acid digests using Perchloric and Hydrofluoric acids with AAS finish
3. Sulphur and Sulphide analyses by Leco thermal combustion techniques
4. Acid-Base Titrations and preparation of Standard Molar / Normal Solutions
5. ISO 17025 documentation, calibrations and test certifications requirements

• Science degree preferably major in Chemistry
• Ability to work unsupervised
• Ability to supervise Lab Technicians
• Ability to train and pass on knowledge
• Behaviour consistent with St Barbara’s Values

 Desirable

• Willingness to undertake the Senior Chemist responsibilities in the absence of the Senior Chemist

For further information on the Simberi Operations and to apply for this role, please visit:

https://www.livehire.com/job/stbarbara-png/C6P9P

 Closing date: Sunday, 05 October 2025 at close of business.

Please submit your Applications, CVs, and Supporting documents (all merged in one PDF document)

At Simberi Gold Company Limited, we’re committed to finding the best fit for every role. We are a diverse and inclusive workplace, welcoming diversity in all its forms. All qualified applicants will be given equal consideration, regardless of their race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.